US Space Force Advances Laser Communication Tech with $100M Program
The U.S. Space Force is pushing forward with its ambitious plan to revolutionize space communication, narrowing the field to three companies – CACI, General Atomics, and Viasat – in a $100 million program focused on developing cutting-edge, laser-based space communication terminals. This decision, announced by the Space Systems Command (SSC) on May 8, 2025, marks a significant step in Phase 2 of the Enterprise Space Terminal (EST) program, with Blue Origin missing the cut.
The EST program, initiated in June 2024, aims to establish standardized optical communication systems crucial for military satellites. These prototypes will be instrumental in testing interoperability and laying the groundwork for a future space-based data transport layer. According to SSC, these terminals will serve as the "key building block of a broader space data network" intended for military communications across various orbits, ultimately creating a unified network that links satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) with those in higher orbits (bLEO).
The focus of the EST program is on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) laser terminals that can be adapted for government use. The agency said awarding Phase 2 to three companies allows SSC to build the industrial base for long range laser communications terminals while maintaining competition to control costs and maximize innovation. The selected companies were chosen based on cost, schedule, and performance factors and were determined to be the best value for the government.
Laser communications, also known as optical communications, offer a high-bandwidth, low-latency alternative to traditional radio frequency systems. Crucially, they are also more difficult to intercept or jam, providing key security benefits for military applications. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Fry, the program’s manager, stated that the technology being developed aims to enable seamless communication between satellites across different orbits. "The terminals will implement a common waveform so all satellites carrying these terminals can talk to each other," Fry explained, highlighting the importance of a network offering diverse communication paths for data.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) also announced their contract award for Phase 2. According to Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, the company leveraged its extensive Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) expertise to develop a design that can be efficiently scaled to deploy a mesh network enterprise of OCTs with capabilities to transfer large volumes of data between spacecraft and ground stations distributed across a wide spectrum of operational domains. "We are excited to enter Phase 2 to advance our system design and begin the build and test of the OCT subsystems," he said.
Phase 2 will involve lab demonstrations of OCT subsystems within a government-provided test bed. GA-EMS will continue design and analyses activities to optimize the system designs. As prime contractor, GA-EMS has teamed with L3Harris for the modem subsystem and Advanced Space to provide performance modeling.
With increased bandwidth, lower latency, and enhanced security, laser communication promises to transform military and civilian space operations. The advancements made under the EST program are crucial for building a resilient and highly capable space-based data network.
What are your thoughts on the potential impact of laser communication technology on future space missions? Share your perspective in the comments below.
